“Over Again,” the deepest, most sentimental song on this album, is about a couple that is involved in a strictly physical (not romantic) relationship. There is a lot to unpack here. The lyrics, “Bodies intertwined with her lips,” proves that the mindset of the two is just about physicality. The song continues on with the lyrics, “Tongue-tied over three words, cursed,” making me think that this guy has been trying to tell the girl that he feels romantically involved and not just physically involved in this relationship, but didn’t have the courage/know how to tell her. They break up, but then come to a crossroads of realizing that they both liked each other romantically but didn’t tell each other. The guy takes the initiative, like media in society portrays 99.99% of the time, and wants to try again by saying, “And it’s no joke to me, so can we do it all over again?” It seems that when they try dating again, the same thing happens where it becomes too physical and ignores romance; “Again we take the same road.” Both of the partners aren’t putting in enough effort for the relationship to last, in fear that they will both get hurt again. The guy, deep down, keeps on wanting to try with this girl because he says, “then my kiss can mend your broken heart” and he admits to her verbally that he was hurt, too. He finally offers his heart to her in the end by saying “And I can lend you broken parts” if she’s willing to “start it all over again” and ends on a cliffhanger.
This song is quite an emotional rollercoaster for the listener and is difficult to interpret. We learned in class that Hall’s “shared meanings” are the basis of efficient communication and help construct understanding. As depicted in this song, there is a lack of shared communication between the couple, causing their love story to shift and turn in ways that, hopefully, because we are programmed in society to want a happy ending, make their relationship strong in the end. But we don’t really know what happens, so it’s like a create-your-own-ending story, and I’m sure the majority of society would choose a lighthearted, hopeful ending.
In relation to Sex Role Theory, there is no definite reason as to why this song would fit into this theory. If anything, the man is feeling vulnerable by showing his weakness, which defies the Sex Role Theory.
Shared by: Elyse Hornung
Image Credit: Word Press